Saskatoon charity open to refund of Justin Trudeau fees

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A Saskatoon charity says it wasn't asking federal politician Justin Trudeau for a refund of his speaking fee, but it is open to the gesture.

Trudeau said he would either return fees or help resolve any financial problems that arose from the time he was conducting speaking engagements while he was an MP, according to a statement issued on the weekend.

The issue arose Friday when Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, among others, criticized the leader of the Liberal party for accepting fees to speak at charitable events.

The Saskatoon Literacy Conference featured Trudeau as a speaker during an event in 2012.

The group says it is not asking for the speaker's fee to be returned, but it would consider accepting a refund if Trudeau sends one.

On Monday, Wall repeated his view that politicians shouldn't take cash in return for a speech.

After meeting with other western premiers in Winnipeg, Wall said some politicians keep their day jobs after being elected.

But he added that being a farmer or having a law practice doesn't interfere with their work as elected representatives.

Wall says politicians already collect a pay cheque for speaking out on different issues and shouldn't double-dip.

Wall added he is happy Trudeau has said he will make things right with groups that paid him to speak since he became an MP.